Updated Australian Guidelines Aim to Prevent Falls in Aged Care Homes

In Australia, falls among the elderly represent a significant public health issue, particularly within aged care facilities. According to Dr. Suzanne Dyer, a senior research fellow at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, approximately 144,000 older Australians are hospitalized annually due to falls, with around 6,000 fatalities reported each year. Alarmingly, 26,000 of these hospitalizations involve residents of aged care homes. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Australian government has released updated national guidelines aimed at fall prevention for older individuals in various living situations, including care homes.

The updated guidelines, which were made public on June 26, 2025, draw upon evidence from a Cochrane Collaboration review, with preliminary findings provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-funded Centre for Research Excellence for Prevention of Falls Injuries. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized fall prevention strategies tailored to the specific needs of care home residents, who are at heightened risk due to their age and medical conditions.

Dr. Dyer highlights several critical components of the updated recommendations. Firstly, regular assessments of both individual residents and the care home's environment are essential for identifying fall risk factors. This includes medication reviews and the implementation of tailored falls prevention plans. Secondly, exercise programs designed by health professionals, such as physiotherapists, should be offered to residents, incorporating strength and balance exercises aimed at maintaining physical capabilities.

"Exercise programs should be ongoing, as the benefits diminish when programs are terminated," explains Dr. Dyer. This approach addresses the necessity for sustained physical activity among older adults, many of whom experience mobility challenges.

Dietary considerations also play a pivotal role in fall prevention. The guidelines recommend increasing vitamin D intake through supplementation, given that many residents seldom venture outdoors and are often deficient in this essential nutrient. Furthermore, enhancing dietary protein and calcium through increased dairy consumption is advocated, with a daily recommended intake of at least 3.5 servings.

The historical context behind these guidelines underscores a systemic issue within Australia's aged care sector. Following the recommendations from the Australian Aged Care Royal Commission, which recognized falls as a National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator in July 2021, there has been a renewed focus on understanding and addressing the prevalence of falls in aged care settings. The economic ramifications of falls are also significant, with the treatment of fall-related injuries costing the healthcare system over $2.3 billion annually.

Despite the updated guidelines, Dr. Dyer points out that the effectiveness of these recommendations hinges on the collective effort of all stakeholders, including families, care home managers, staff, and policymakers. "We need to mobilize support for these preventive measures to maintain the independence and dignity of older Australians," she emphasizes.

In summary, the updated national falls prevention guidelines represent a proactive step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of older Australians in aged care homes. By prioritizing individualized care, exercise, and nutrition, these initiatives aim to significantly reduce the incidence of falls and enhance the quality of life for this vulnerable population. As the implementation of these guidelines unfolds, ongoing evaluation and adaptation will be crucial in ensuring their efficacy and sustainability in the aged care system.